North West Tonight
It has been a wonderful journey so far as I reach the half-way point of my 25 in 25 series – a feature showcasing some of the best people and places in the north-west of England.
Luckily for me, there are still so many lovely people and places to see.
This week I took a trip down memory lane.
I’ve been going to the steam train in Romiley, Stockport, for many years – in my youth and now as a mum.
My girls love the trains, Tara the tram and, most importantly, the pocket money shop.
Located in the car park of Dobbies Garden Centre, the Dragon Miniature Railway is a go-to place for families in the area, not least because the volunteers there welcome you with open arms.
After you’ve bought your £1.50 train ticket (kids under two are free) the journey begins once volunteer Martin Kay has blown his whistle and says his infamous words: “Hold tight, off we go.”
The trains pass through the trees, alongside the main road, where the aim is to get as many cars to beep at you as possible.
It then goes through the scary tunnel, over the bridge, stopping at the play park before heading off past the one-eared donkey and the field of gnomes.
Toys in the park are donated by locals, looked after by volunteers, much like the trains which are maintained, driven and loved by volunteers.
But I haven’t ever stopped to question why the volunteers are there or the bigger impact the railway has on the wider community.
David Gordon volunteers for New Horizons, a narrowboat on the Marple canal which is equipped to take people with disabilities out on trips.
He said the team at Dragon Miniature Railway were vital.
“They give themselves, their time and the money that they raise. They take none of it for themselves,” he said.
“It all goes back to support local groups like ourselves at new horizon.”
Laura’s son Joe, who has additional needs and is autistic, has been volunteering at the railway for four years now.
“Joining here has been like a whole new world for him,” she said.
“He’s learnt skills like driving trains, cleaning engines, learning to interact with people which he would never have done before.”
Leading the team at the Dragon Miniature Railway is Brian Lomas.
He has been volunteering for more than 25 years and said the secret to the longevity of the railway was “happy staff, happy volunteers and a lovely customer base”.
“They are brilliant they support us through thick and thin and we couldn’t manage without them,” he added.
